For some reason, I thought this (closure) was done once before (70's or 80's) and then partially reopened as a meandering two lane street.  Can anyone confirm or refute?  

The potential proposed closure on Huron is being led by Playhouse Square, with support/facilitation from Downtown Cleveland, Inc., LAND Studio, and other stakeholders including the city. It's by no means a done deal, but we're in the middle of early conversations and engagements to discuss possibilities and ideas here. If it ends up happening (potentially temporary at first and then permanent), the closure would mainly be from in front of 1942 Tacos & Tequila and stretch up to Euclid, still providing vehicular access to all the garages, loading docks, alleys, etc. that exist along that stretch.

 

This was really identified and prioritized in Downtown Cleveland's Retail Strategy Plan (which focuses on placemaking/public realm enhancements). Ideally this closed (read: opened for pedestrians) space could be used for future programming like a Christmas market, summer night market, extended space for concerts and events, seating, public art, etc.

 

Again, this is early in the process, but it's exciting to see some key players Downtown looking at different ways of thinking, designing, and programming our public realm. Good things are in the works, here and elsewhere Downtown.

Edited April 17, 20241 yr by urbanetics_

5 minutes ago, urbanetics_ said:

If it ends up happening (potentially temporary at first and then permanent), the closure would mainly be from in front of 1942 Tacos & Tequila and stretch up to Euclid, still providing vehicular access to all the garages, loading docks, alleys, etc. that exist along that stretch.

So, it’s more of an extension of Star Plaza and the elimination of a through-road, than an actual road closure. This isn’t at all a criticism, it sounds great to me. 

12 minutes ago, urbanetics_ said:

The potential proposed closure on Huron is being led by Playhouse Square, with support/facilitation from Downtown Cleveland, Inc., LAND Studio, and other stakeholders including the city. It's by no means a done deal, but we're in the middle of early conversations and engagements to discuss possibilities and ideas here. If it ends up happening (potentially temporary at first and then permanent), the closure would mainly be from in front of 1942 Tacos & Tequila and stretch up to Euclid, still providing vehicular access to all the garages, loading docks, alleys, etc. that exist along that stretch.

 

This was really identified and prioritized in Downtown Cleveland's Retail Strategy Plan (which focuses on placemaking/public realm enhancements). Ideally this closed (read: opened for pedestrians) space could be used for future programming like a Christmas market, summer night market, extended space for concerts and events, seating, public art, etc.

 

Again, this is early in the process, but it's exciting to see some key players Downtown looking at different ways of thinking, designing, and programming our public realm. Good things are in the works, here and elsewhere Downtown.

Love the idea of a Christmas market.

I would love the implementation of a Christmas Market set up in Public Square or along the promenade paths of the Malls rather than converting Huron Road. Both also could have weekly Farmer's Market activations.

I lived at The Osborn for 5 years. It's my favorite street in Cleveland– extremely charming. Activating it in the ways above would be incredible. 

1 hour ago, roman totale XVII said:

So, it’s more of an extension of Star Plaza and the elimination of a through-road, than an actual road closure. This isn’t at all a criticism, it sounds great to me. 

Correct - that's a good way to describe the reconfiguration being looked at.

 

Also just mentioning this for what it's worth - stakeholders from across Downtown are being brought together to have constructive conversations. Instead of just keeping Playhouse Square in a silo and Gateway District/the stadiums in a separate silo, partners are all actively coming together to identify challenges, opportunities, and weigh in on the future of the districts. Having reps from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Playhouse Square, for example, come together to jointly discuss how to better connect the districts together is huge, and something that I don't really think has been done before, at least to this scale or seriousness. That's something that's been a priority for DCI. I have to give the city credit in it too and for some great visions they're working on as well.

 

I know progress seems slow sometimes, but there really is a lot going on behind the scenes right now, and I'm very optimistic about where things are at / where they're going.

Edited April 17, 20241 yr by urbanetics_

40 minutes ago, urbanetics_ said:

Correct - that's a good way to describe the reconfiguration being looked at.

 

Also just mentioning this for what it's worth - stakeholders from across Downtown are being brought together to have constructive conversations. Instead of just keeping Playhouse Square in a silo and Gateway District/the stadiums in a separate silo, partners are all actively coming together to identify challenges, opportunities, and weigh in on the future of the districts. Having reps from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Playhouse Square, for example, come together to jointly discuss how to better connect the districts together is huge, and something that I don't really think has been done before, at least to this scale or seriousness. That's something that's been a priority for DCI. I have to give the city credit in it too and for some great visions they're working on as well.

 

I know progress seems slow sometimes, but there really is a lot going on behind the scenes right now, and I'm very optimistic about where things are at / where they're going.

Well, that's great news.  Downtown has long lacked a unified vison for how the district should look and feel.  The DCA Clean Ambassadors are great - but (and I know I'm a broken record) to twist an age-old saying, how can we expect people to love a city/neighborhood that doesn't love itself.  Low expectations, a lack of money, a lack of will?  All the above?  We need to put effort into how our city presents itself to inspire more people to want to invest in it.

 

 

 

Superman statue, creators’ tribute plaza near to landing in Downtown Cleveland
By Ken Prendergast / April 17, 2024

 

There’s lots of stoic statues around downtown honoring Clevelanders and others who helped make the city and the United States great during their lives. But there could soon be a new statue and plaza downtown for a man who never lived at all except in comic books, on television and in movies. The statue of Superman is as much about honoring two men who did live — native Clevelanders Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster who created one of America’s first and most beloved superheroes.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/04/17/superman-statue-creators-tribute-plaza-near-to-landing-in-downtown-cleveland/

This is great news.  Too many of our downtown streets are soulless vacuums with little to look at or interact with along the way.  This could be a nice little secondary spot for visitors to snap a pic at on their way say from the Hilton to the Warehouse District.  

Huron is a wonderful streets already with very wide brick sidewalks and street trees.  But there's little on it to do, and few people going there as a result.  It needs more pedestrians, not more pedestrian space.

I like that the Superman sculptures are happening. I just wish the site was somewhere more impressive. 

12 hours ago, X said:

Huron is a wonderful streets already with very wide brick sidewalks and street trees.  But there's little on it to do, and few people going there as a result.  It needs more pedestrians, not more pedestrian space.

It needs more pedestrians… just not space for those pedestrians? 

36 minutes ago, noname said:

It needs more pedestrians… just not space for those pedestrians? 

 

Pretty sure I explained that in the original post- Huron already has humongous sidewalks, but few people on them.  The problem isn't the amount of pedestrian space, it's the amount of pedestrians using that space.

4 hours ago, X said:

 

Pretty sure I explained that in the original post- Huron already has humongous sidewalks, but few people on them.  The problem isn't the amount of pedestrian space, it's the amount of pedestrians using that space.

 

If we build an expanded/upgraded public space for the purpose of hosting markets and events, there will be more pedestrians using the space. Consequently, businesses should see more customers, and the street will feel less empty (also consider that Crowne Plaza guests will no longer need to cross the street to patronize nearby restaurants).

 

This isn't about creating more "space" for pedestrians, it's about creating a "place" in which people choose to spend time—as opposed to a thoroughfare that people wish to pass through.

 

I used to be sympathetic to leaving as many downtown streets open to cars as possible, but many recent examples seem to suggest businesses have a lot to gain when streets feel welcoming to pedestrians. Failed "pedestrian mall" concepts from the 60s and 70s, generally speaking, either lacked a substantial residential population, became isolated by demolishing countless surrounding blocks for surface parking, or retained other elements which made them feel unwelcoming to pedestrians (or some combination of the 3). 

Not to speak for @X, but I think his point is that public spaces don’t create their own demand. We have countless public spaces downtown that are already virtually unused. US Bank Plaza itself is basically abandoned. I would expect that pedestrianizing more space directly adjacent to it would do nothing but close more roads to traffic. Why not concentrate on programming US Bank Plaza, Perk Park, or Clapp Plaza, which are all within 500 feet of the proposal?

19 hours ago, OldEnough said:

This is great news.  Too many of our downtown streets are soulless vacuums with little to look at or interact with along the way.  This could be a nice little secondary spot for visitors to snap a pic at on their way say from the Hilton to the Warehouse District.  

 

We could easily remedy any space for better street interaction. With the Rock Hall, great local artists, so many famous residents and a really amazing history of science and innovation there is a deep well for inspiration.   

Edited April 18, 20241 yr by surfohio

20 hours ago, KJP said:

Superman statue, creators’ tribute plaza near to landing in Downtown Cleveland
By Ken Prendergast / April 17, 2024

 

There’s lots of stoic statues around downtown honoring Clevelanders and others who helped make the city and the United States great during their lives. But there could soon be a new statue and plaza downtown for a man who never lived at all except in comic books, on television and in movies. The statue of Superman is as much about honoring two men who did live — native Clevelanders Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster who created one of America’s first and most beloved superheroes.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/04/17/superman-statue-creators-tribute-plaza-near-to-landing-in-downtown-cleveland/

 

If the statue/tribute is placed on that small random corner, it would be another failed opportunity in the CLE. 

Look at how many people plan for and go out of their way to stop by and take a picture of a giant stainless steel bean thing in Chicago, now how many more would do that same thing to take a picture with one of the most popular super hero's of all time? Cramming them all on the corner of a random intersection, with a less then prime view/background for the picture, is very shortsighted! This would feel as if it was thrown there as an after thought, instead of a tourist attraction and tribute statue. 

 

If money is the only reason it is not placed at a prime location, as shown below, then folks like the DCA should step in and help raise the funnds to place it on Mall-C. If done properly, this could become a HUGE tourist attraction for CLE. Imagine Mall-C being called "Superman Plaza" with the statue, signs on the side telling the history, maybe even a little shop built on the edge of Mall-C selling souvenirs where people can buy a replica....etc. So much could be done with this if fully thought through, it'd be sad to see the opportunity go to waste.

 

 

I stated the below in the past when this was discussed in the convention center thread:

 

I think what could possibly be the best spot would be in the center of  Mall-C!  This would give the statue it's own place/plaza; if he is facing the water then the whole city and all the towers would be your backdrop when taking a picture with the him, and you'd see it directly out front of the convention center front doors. 

 

Superman statue at the red X, playgrounds at the yellow X's and sidewalks leading to the statue in pink from all sides

 

P.S. The statue MUST be made of stainless steel!

 

You can see the rest of my thoughts on this subject as well as more pics in my original post here https://urbanohio.com/topic/246-cleveland-global-center-for-health-innovation-amp-convention-center/?do=findComment&comment=1138472

 

42 minutes ago, bumsquare said:

Why not concentrate on programming US Bank Plaza, Perk Park

 

US Bank Plaza is actually pretty busy throughout summer months - DCA - now DC has music out there on weekdays, pop up music during the evening and when there isn't something going on lunch time sees a lot of folks eating at the tables and benches. Add to that random PHQ traffic and it's pretty hopping. I think a closed street would help out businesses like Zaytoon that are cramped inside but could take up more real estate outside. 

 

Perk Park also has their food truck days and I think DC also set up some music there if I'm not mistaken ( @urbanetics_ can probably be more helpful with this) a big part of it being underutilized is the fact it's kind of awkwardly laid out, the seating is kind of strange and tables are few and far between. If Ohio Savings converts to apartments I feel like that area will be a tad more lively (wishful thinking since there's already a bunch of apts around there). 

 

 

Downtown: Huron may close for street market
By Ken Prendergast / April 18, 2024

 

Although early in the process, Playhouse Square Foundation is leading an effort in Downtown Cleveland that could result in the closure of Huron Road to vehicles. The goal is to effectively expand US Bank Plaza and create a venue for a street market of pop-up vendors and artists. The potential closure to cars and trucks could affect a short stretch of Huron that’s closest to Euclid Avenue.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/04/18/downtown-huron-may-close-for-street-market/

1 hour ago, NR said:

 

If the statue/tribute is placed on that small random corner, it would be another failed opportunity in the CLE. 

Look at how many people plan for and go out of their way to stop by and take a picture of a giant stainless steel bean thing in Chicago, now how many more would do that same thing to take a picture with one of the most popular super hero's of all time? Cramming them all on the corner of a random intersection, with a less then prime view/background for the picture, is very shortsighted! This would feel as if it was thrown there as an after thought, instead of a tourist attraction and tribute statue. 

I don't exactly disagree, there's almost certainly a better spot, but as a counterpoint, it's kind of cool having small attractions scattered around downtown. It gives a reason to walk around and explore a bit. Not that this is very far, it's one block from Public Square and the malls, but still, it's something.

 

On the crowding point. The area it will be set in looks to be about a quarter of an acre, not huge by any means, but the Trevi Fountain is in a half acre space, and that's including the roads and fountain itself. If you exclude those it's a pretty similar amount of space. This won't get anywhere near that interest.

 

Maybe the solution is to have far more public art, so we aren't so concerned with finding the exact best location for each piece. 

 

1 hour ago, NR said:

 

I think what could possibly be the best spot would be in the center of  Mall-C!  This would give the statue it's own place/plaza; if he is facing the water then the whole city and all the towers would be your backdrop when taking a picture with the him, and you'd see it directly out front of the convention center front doors

Mall C isn't a bad location, my only concern with it is that it's also the only significant patch of flat grass anywhere downtown. (Mall B has to deal with the convention center). It's prime location for tossing a ball around or something. Some festivals go there, etc. Not saying your idea would be a worse use of the space, just that there are some tradeoffs. 

 

Personally I'd opt for a similar location, but slightly further north, placing it elevated in the gap in the proposed Land bridge to hopefully give it the illusion of flying.

 

 

I also replied to your original post where I expressed my thoughts in a bit more depth. 

 

https://urbanohio.com/topic/246-cleveland-global-center-for-health-innovation-amp-convention-center/?do=findComment&comment=1138515

 

7 hours ago, bumsquare said:

Not to speak for @X, but I think his point is that public spaces don’t create their own demand. We have countless public spaces downtown that are already virtually unused. US Bank Plaza itself is basically abandoned. I would expect that pedestrianizing more space directly adjacent to it would do nothing but close more roads to traffic. Why not concentrate on programming US Bank Plaza, Perk Park, or Clapp Plaza, which are all within 500 feet of the proposal?

 

You said what I was getting at quite nicely, so thank you!

 

8 hours ago, sonisharri said:

 

If we build an expanded/upgraded public space for the purpose of hosting markets and events, there will be more pedestrians using the space. Consequently, businesses should see more customers, and the street will feel less empty (also consider that Crowne Plaza guests will no longer need to cross the street to patronize nearby restaurants).

 

This isn't about creating more "space" for pedestrians, it's about creating a "place" in which people choose to spend time—as opposed to a thoroughfare that people wish to pass through.

 

I used to be sympathetic to leaving as many downtown streets open to cars as possible, but many recent examples seem to suggest businesses have a lot to gain when streets feel welcoming to pedestrians. Failed "pedestrian mall" concepts from the 60s and 70s, generally speaking, either lacked a substantial residential population, became isolated by demolishing countless surrounding blocks for surface parking, or retained other elements which made them feel unwelcoming to pedestrians (or some combination of the 3). 

 

Thank you for the reply- I hate to come across as too negative, and I understand the thought process, but I'm skeptical of the main premises at work here- that there is a problem with Huron, that the problem is one of pedestrian friendliness, and that there are great gains to be had from fixing it.

 

Huron is already a pleasant street to walk down.  I walked down it many times in my decade of living just a couple blocks away, and always enjoyed the wide brick sidewalks with street trees, stately buildings, and very little, slow moving car traffic.  I never felt any hesitation to cross the narrow roadway mid block, or like the sidewalks were in any way cramped.  There were often people walking on the street at the same time as me.  What we weren't doing was patronizing street level businesses, except for (my beloved) Huron Square Deli, because it was the only one.  Now Huron Square Deli is gone (RIP) and replaced with something else Wild Eagle is on the other end (fun, except on weekends), and maybe count 1942 Tacos & Tequila (but it is pretty much on Star Plaza already) but that's it for retail/restaurants storefronts- there's a hotel lobby, a parking garage, another parking garage, and several street level offices.  Assuming that Huron actually needs to be "active", and not just "a pleasant place to be", there's your problem.  What are street festivals going to do to activate those offices and parking garages?

^ I think it's probably more accurate to think of this closure as an expansion of Star (US Bank) Plaza than as a road closure. That's in effect what it is. I can see the logic, the main problem with the plaza is that it's too small, and getting rid of this road will make it ~75% bigger, no small feat. Perhaps with its added size it can serve as the hub of the Playhouse Square district like it feels like it wants to be. A mini triangular town square. 

 Btw here is what the plaza at the convention center would look like if approved. Th proposed lamp posts are very prominent and wish they were more in line of the time period Superman was created. Photo credit PMC-Moody Nolan

Edited April 19, 20241 yr by dave2017

It seems superman is flying in the direction opposite of what is shown in the site plan.

On 4/17/2024 at 2:22 PM, OldEnough said:

...how can we expect people to love a city/neighborhood that doesn't love itself. 

 

I think the same thing when I read about street lights not being replaced, or routine maintenance not being performed. Cleveland needs people who actually care about the city and have some pride. 

2 minutes ago, KJP said:

It seems superman is flying in the direction opposite of what is shown in the site plan.

I think the intended effect is to look like he just changed in the telephone booth and is flying away to wherever he is needed. From that perspective it makes sense, but it doesn't leave much room for people to look at the front of the statue.

 

I like the layout overall. 

I misread the site plan. Article fixed. Added new pics too.

 

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/04/17/superman-statue-creators-tribute-plaza-near-to-landing-in-downtown-cleveland/

17 minutes ago, BoomerangCleRes said:

New Superman statue going in front of the previous medical mart 

Planning commission saw the Superman statue this morning they suggested making the blue darker so Superman doesn’t get lost in the view and they also noted the people next to the telephone booth will be a darker bronze so they don't pop as much as they do here 

 

also will adjust the benches and will reconsider orientations of the plaza for photo ops 

Edited April 19, 20241 yr by BoomerangCleRes

13 hours ago, X said:

Thank you for the reply- I hate to come across as too negative, and I understand the thought process, but I'm skeptical of the main premises at work here- that there is a problem with Huron, that the pr

oblem is one of pedestrian friendliness, and that there are great gains to be had from fixing it.

 

Huron is already a pleasant street to walk down.  I walked down it many times in my decade of living just a couple blocks away, and always enjoyed the wide brick sidewalks with street trees, stately buildings, and very little, slow moving car traffic.  I never felt any hesitation to cross the narrow roadway mid block, or like the sidewalks were in any way cramped.  There were often people walking on the street at the same time as me.  What we weren't doing was patronizing street level businesses, except for (my beloved) Huron Square Deli, because it was the only one.  Now Huron Square Deli is gone (RIP) and replaced with something else Wild Eagle is on the other end (fun, except on weekends), and maybe count 1942 Tacos & Tequila (but it is pretty much on Star Plaza already) but that's it for retail/restaurants storefronts- there's a hotel lobby, a parking garage, another parking garage, and several street level offices.  Assuming that Huron actually needs to be "active", and not just "a pleasant place to be", there's your problem.  What are street festivals going to do to activate those offices and parking garages?

 

Thanks for your response as well, I don't think you came across as negative and I think it's important to have a variety perspectives on projects like these.

 

I don't there is a problem with Huron, rather I think the problem is a general lack of public "places" around downtown which see continuous pedestrian activity (eg. E 4th, Public Sq). I think an expanded US Bank Plaza programmed with events and markets could help address this, creating another node of activity next to PHSQ. There are already people living here and that number is only growing; I don't think there's a question of whether demand could exist.

 

It just so happens that (the relatively short stretch at the end of) Huron is the easiest place to make something like this happen without major disruptions to traffic. As @KJP mentioned in his article, the last time a pedestrian mall existed in Huron was when all of the theaters were closing and downtown population was a fifth of what it is today. And for the length of Huron that is actually affected by the closure, it seems most street-level spaces are suited for retail.

 

Maybe in a decade someone can respond to this thread with a photo and we shall see what the net result was 😉

Edited April 19, 20241 yr by sonisharri

hopefully Playhouse Square will bring some money to the table to make this a real plaza, it this ends up being tested/approved.  Worry that the street will just end up being blocked off with concrete planters. 

We keep trying to create spaces downtown that will attract people and encourage them to hang out. For the most part it hasn't been successful. Is the problem due to the design of the spaces, lack of people passing by, something in our culture that prevents us from just hanging out in a downtown spot, or some combination of them all?

 

I don't know what the problem is here but l do know that when l tried to sit and stay it didn't feel right so l got up and left.

 

There are a bunch of small parks in NY city where l just want to sit and people watch. My favorite parks in the U.S. are some of the squares in Savannah and Rittenhouse Square in Philly. What do they have in common? Mature trees, varied landscaping, interesting backdrop of urbanity and plenty of people which encourages others to linger. 

 

So what comes first, the space or the people? Chicken or egg. We have some ok places. I love 4th street, Perk Plaza has some promise and l think Huron does have great bones and could be the best. IF we do manage to pull off an urban spot that has all the components of a great little city park l think that feature can help separate us from the list of just another town and sneak us into the pantheon of a great American cities.

Based on this statue being put up, Why havent we tried to put up a superman museum or a musuem of one of our famous people?    I travel a ton and ive noticed that many cities have these  mini museums..  Pittsburgh has the Andy Warhol and Lakewood, NY has am I love Lucy one..   What famous historical people could we put up?  Bob hope?  Superman?  Jesse Owens?  Hell we could even do something about stouffers... 

 

3 minutes ago, G00pie said:

Based on this statue being put up, Why havent we tried to put up a superman museum or a musuem of one of our famous people?    I travel a ton and ive noticed that many cities have these  mini museums..  Pittsburgh has the Andy Warhol and Lakewood, NY has am I love Lucy one..   What famous historical people could we put up?  Bob hope?  Superman?  Jesse Owens?  Hell we could even do something about stouffers... 

 

Don't forget our potholes and jersey barriers

21 minutes ago, G00pie said:

Based on this statue being put up, Why havent we tried to put up a superman museum or a musuem of one of our famous people?    I travel a ton and ive noticed that many cities have these  mini museums..  Pittsburgh has the Andy Warhol and Lakewood, NY has am I love Lucy one..   What famous historical people could we put up?  Bob hope?  Superman?  Jesse Owens?  Hell we could even do something about stouffers... 

 

We do have the Christmas Story House, which seems to be in the vein of what you're suggesting. I think the creator's original house has received historical recognition, that would be a prime candidate for something similar. I believe it's just a private residence at the moment though. 

58 minutes ago, G00pie said:

Based on this statue being put up, Why havent we tried to put up a superman museum or a musuem of one of our famous people?    I travel a ton and ive noticed that many cities have these  mini museums..  Pittsburgh has the Andy Warhol and Lakewood, NY has am I love Lucy one..   What famous historical people could we put up?  Bob hope?  Superman?  Jesse Owens?  Hell we could even do something about stouffers... 

 

 

And Chef Boyardee!

i always imagined superman zipping around downtown on animated billboards between ads the like, but the city is not into big advertizing signage downtown anymore and thats probably for the best, so a statue will do.

On 4/18/2024 at 2:10 PM, NR said:

 

If the statue/tribute is placed on that small random corner, it would be another failed opportunity in the CLE. 

Look at how many people plan for and go out of their way to stop by and take a picture of a giant stainless steel bean thing in Chicago, now how many more would do that same thing to take a picture with one of the most popular super hero's of all time? Cramming them all on the corner of a random intersection, with a less then prime view/background for the picture, is very shortsighted! This would feel as if it was thrown there as an after thought, instead of a tourist attraction and tribute statue. 

 

If money is the only reason it is not placed at a prime location, as shown below, then folks like the DCA should step in and help raise the funnds to place it on Mall-C. If done properly, this could become a HUGE tourist attraction for CLE. Imagine Mall-C being called "Superman Plaza" with the statue, signs on the side telling the history, maybe even a little shop built on the edge of Mall-C selling souvenirs where people can buy a replica....etc. So much could be done with this if fully thought through, it'd be sad to see the opportunity go to waste.

 

 

I stated the below in the past when this was discussed in the convention center thread:

 

I think what could possibly be the best spot would be in the center of  Mall-C!  This would give the statue it's own place/plaza; if he is facing the water then the whole city and all the towers would be your backdrop when taking a picture with the him, and you'd see it directly out front of the convention center front doors. 

 

Superman statue at the red X, playgrounds at the yellow X's and sidewalks leading to the statue in pink from all sides

 

P.S. The statue MUST be made of stainless steel!

 

You can see the rest of my thoughts on this subject as well as more pics in my original post here https://urbanohio.com/topic/246-cleveland-global-center-for-health-innovation-amp-convention-center/?do=findComment&comment=1138472

 

Please, no.

2 hours ago, mrnyc said:

i always imagined superman zipping around downtown on animated billboards between ads the like, but the city is not into big advertizing signage downtown anymore and thats probably for the best, so a statue will do.

Put him on the Georges billboards.

Got this email today: 

 

Quote

The City of Cleveland and the Project for Public Spaces are hosting a feedback session for the W. 29th open street project this Saturday, April 20th 9:30-11:30am at Larder Delicatessen and Bakery (1455 W. 29th St). They’re looking for feedback on what residents and business owners would like to see on W 29th street!

 

Hope you can join and share your ideas for making this project a success. 

 

 

14 hours ago, BoomerangCleRes said:

Planning commission saw the Superman statue this morning they suggested making the blue darker so Superman doesn’t get lost in the view and they also noted the people next to the telephone booth will be a darker bronze so they don't pop as much as they do here 

 

also will adjust the benches and will reconsider orientations of the plaza for photo ops 

Oh man, this seems like such a potential defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory design to me.  I really like it overall and believe they executed the specific elements well. But, you can’t convince me that the orientation of the plaza shouldn’t be rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (to the south), so Superman’s literally leaping towards Public Square and the the almost Daily Planet-esqe Terminal Tower (I know, no Ohio Bell Building), not the dreary Justice Center.
 

One would see Superman taking flight towards you as you come north Ontario or in profile on either direction on St. Clair, which would be really impressive as well. 
 

And all the photos from behind the statue looking along his cape, or from the perspective of the phone booth and Lois Lane, you can’t beat this background (especially compared to what you’ll get with CPD Hqs framing him instead):

Was there any discussion of view-lines by the Planning Commission? I sure hope there’s some insurmountable obstacle that resulted in what is currently planned instead. 
 

Edited April 20, 20241 yr by brtshrcegr

1 hour ago, brtshrcegr said:

 

 

Was there any discussion of view-lines by the Planning Commission? I sure hope there’s some insurmountable obstacle that resulted in what is currently planned instead. 
 

Not that i remember. 
 

If thats the true sightline, they should him point toward TT so he’s coming at the people entering the plaza where the stairs are shown and they people would go around him and as they approach they can see the bronze people on either side of the entry point up above you drawing your eyes up if they weren’t already and then when you come or look back from the entry he’s lined up with TT

23 minutes ago, BoomerangCleRes said:

Not that i remember. 
 

If thats the true sightline, they should him point toward TT so he’s coming at the people entering the plaza where the stairs are shown and they people would go around him and as they approach they can see the bronze people on either side of the entry point up above you drawing your eyes up if they weren’t already and then when you come or look back from the entry he’s lined up with TT

Yep! Exactly what I’m envisioning as well. Seems like a no brainer. 

7 hours ago, brtshrcegr said:

Was there any discussion of view-lines by the Planning Commission? I sure hope there’s some insurmountable obstacle that resulted in what is currently planned instead

Yes, the presenters mentioned caring about the view from public square. And their was also talk about what would be in the background and the ideal picture location. 

On 4/18/2024 at 9:43 PM, X said:

 

You said what I was getting at quite nicely, so thank you!

 

 

Thank you for the reply- I hate to come across as too negative, and I understand the thought process, but I'm skeptical of the main premises at work here- that there is a problem with Huron, that the problem is one of pedestrian friendliness, and that there are great gains to be had from fixing it.

 

Huron is already a pleasant street to walk down.  I walked down it many times in my decade of living just a couple blocks away, and always enjoyed the wide brick sidewalks with street trees, stately buildings, and very little, slow moving car traffic.  I never felt any hesitation to cross the narrow roadway mid block, or like the sidewalks were in any way cramped.  There were often people walking on the street at the same time as me.  What we weren't doing was patronizing street level businesses, except for (my beloved) Huron Square Deli, because it was the only one.  Now Huron Square Deli is gone (RIP) and replaced with something else Wild Eagle is on the other end (fun, except on weekends), and maybe count 1942 Tacos & Tequila (but it is pretty much on Star Plaza already) but that's it for retail/restaurants storefronts- there's a hotel lobby, a parking garage, another parking garage, and several street level offices.  Assuming that Huron actually needs to be "active", and not just "a pleasant place to be", there's your problem.  What are street festivals going to do to activate those offices and parking garages?

 

The planning commission yesterday said about the Cavs facility they welcomed the congestion and activity at the corner where the boat launch would be. We'll see if they apply that line of thinking to closing Huron.

 

The problem these street closures are trying to solve are better served with road diets or bike lanes to slow traffic.

Edited April 20, 20241 yr by Mendo

 

1 minute ago, GISguy said:

 

Do this with most streets.

5 minutes ago, JB said:

Do this with most streets.

 

Seems like they'd like to with new construction programs - Payne and Carnegie were mentioned. The maintenance aspect is what's going to be the biggest issue - Phil had mentioned the need for consistent funding to maintain this stuff. 

 

Ironically I feel like Storer is one of the few rightsized streets in this city - narrow, and only a lane in each direction, but even so cars speed recklessly. Be nice if they focused entirely on traffic calming so that you don't get killed as you're walking on the newly depaved/treed Storer.

 

Imo Traffic Calming should be their #1 priority (across the city, not just in Ohio City), so tired of seeing people drive like complete idiots bc the streets allow it.

13 minutes ago, GISguy said:

 

Great! Too bad this street is littered with electrical lines, so I doubt any substantial trees will get planted, but progress is progress! Bringing back nature and beauty to the streets is always a win! (Now if we could only bury those pesky power lines...)

I always thought Storer 's issue was the loss of an active street wall over the years. The overall narrowness is definitely a factor to reducing dangerous driving/speeding and Storer is acceptable in this regard as @GISguy mentions but even more the constrictiveness feeling of non setback buildings with active uses that draw people to mingle, signals subconsciously to drivers to slow down and and be more alert. With the loss of all those building, replaced by empty lots that signal is gone. I wont take the twitter image to be 100% to what is going to happens but if it is, its just cutting into the ped right of way not the road surface and might actually even have the opposite effect tree lawns give to drivers that they are buffered and separate from the pedestrian realm.